Stralis Aircraft, Fabrum, and Ara Ake are joining forces to advance the future of green aviation in Australasia. Their collaborative effort will focus on liquid-hydrogen storage tanks and fuel systems, with the goal of achieving the region’s first liquid-hydrogen-powered flight. Testing will be conducted at Christchurch International Airport.
A Step Toward Sustainable Aviation
Stralis Aircraft is making strides in the pursuit of zero-emission aviation with a hydrogen-electric retrofit kit for the Beechcraft 1900, a regional aircraft seating 15 passengers and with a range of 800 kilometres (500 miles).
The company’s HTPEM fuel-cell technology promises a lighter alternative to existing solutions founded in 2021, allowing aircraft to fly up to ten times farther than battery-electric systems.
This initiative is part of the global drive to decarbonise aviation, with hydrogen being a key player due to its high energy density and zero-emission properties. Hydrogen only produces water vapour when used in fuel-cell-powered aircraft, unlike conventional jet fuel.
The Role of Each Partner
Stralis, Fabrum, and Ara Ake are combining their expertise to push forward the hydrogen-electric aviation initiative. Stralis is leading the integration of Fabrum’s composite tanks and fuel system into its hydrogen-electric propulsion technology, while also conducting active testing of the systems. Fabrum is providing the necessary composite tanks and dispensing systems for liquid hydrogen, along with a hydrogen testing facility at Christchurch International Airport.
“Our hydrogen liquefier provides readily available liquid hydrogen onsite, allowing the capability to access the critical fuel source to prove and test the tanks and fuel system we are developing for Stralis and their fixed-wing fuel-cell electric aircraft,” said Christopher Boyle, Managing Director of Fabrum.
Meanwhile, Ara Ake is facilitating the collaboration between Australia and New Zealand, with CEO Cristiano Marantes emphasising,“By enabling this initiative, we’re supporting the first hydrogen-electric demonstration with liquid hydrogen and positioning New Zealand as a global testbed for sustainable aviation innovation.”
Hydrogen’s Potential in Aviation
Hydrogen’s energy density—three times that of kerosene and SAF and over 100 times that of batteries—makes it a highly promising alternative for long-range aviation, with the added benefit of enabling quick refuelling. Hydrogen-electric propulsion systems also promise lower maintenance costs compared to traditional turbine engines, potentially reducing operating costs by 40-60%.
Stralis Aircraft’s fuel-cell technology is designed to maximise these benefits, offering reduced costs and zero-carbon emissions.
“This project is a significant step forward for Stralis as we test and refine our hydrogen-electric propulsion technology and build our liquid hydrogen capability,” said Stuart Johnstone, co-founder and CTO of Stralis Aircraft. “We look forward to advancing hydrogen-electric aviation and fostering new partnerships in New Zealand.”
Conclusion
Stralis, Fabrum, and Ara Ake’s partnership is expected to fast-track the development of hydrogen-powered aviation in Australasia, potentially laying the groundwork for the future use of liquid hydrogen in commercial regional air travel.
The project’s success could help position Australia and New Zealand as leaders in the field of sustainable aviation, attracting additional investment and research in zero-emission flight technologies. With testing now underway and growing industry support, this collaboration marks an important step toward achieving cleaner, more sustainable air travel.